Dennis Clarke (51) and Mike Mullins (50) are completing their apprenticeships with the Oamaru company, and it is proving to be a success story, Mr Clarke taking top honours at the South Canterbury Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge last week.
Mr Clarke, who began his working life as a labourer, said when he was at the age you would usually get an apprenticeship, it was very hard to get one.
He did eventually complete an engineering apprenticeship but, after about 32 years in that industry, decided it was time for a change.
‘‘It’s always been an interest of mine. Again, I’d never had the opportunity.
‘‘It’s something I enjoy — electronics, electrical work.’’
He was a year into gaining his qualification, which generally took about three and a-half years.
He had also worked as a labourer, before heading overseas to play rugby for nine years.
On his return, he worked for the North Otago Rugby Union for four years, before going to work for Youthtown.
‘‘Then eight years into working for Youthtown they were restructuring, and I had a choice to stay within that area, or move on.
‘‘So I thought that I’d move on, and go back and do my apprenticeship again — but this time finish it.’’
Mr Mullins had just finished his third year, and would sit his final exams at the end of this year.
‘‘Being out of school for 30-odd years, and literally going back to school is a bit different — especially if school wasn’t my strong point.’’
He saw it a chance to teach his ‘‘semi-older children’’ that they could do anything at any time in their lives.
It was also about ‘‘having the resilience to challenge yourself’’.
Both men said their boss, managing director Mark Rawson, was ‘‘passionate’’ about the apprentice scheme.
‘‘Mark is really fired up about training his apprentices,’’ Mr Clarke said.
‘‘And those in management positions around us are really supportive. There’s some good people to learn off here.’’
For the men, balancing study with work and family commitments proved challenging. Mr Mullins also worked a second job at the Waitaki Boys’ High School hostel.
- By Ashley Smyth
